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Terror suspect seeks compensation over torture claims

A High Court ruling has today revealed on-the-run terror suspect Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed is seeking compensation from the government over alleged torture in Somaliland.

The action was initiated before the 27-year-old evaded surveillance last Friday.

Mr Justice Irwin, sitting at London's High Court, handed down an interim ruling in the action he is bringing for compensation - the first ruling on the use of the Justice and Security Act 2013 in a civil claim for damages.

His claim is against the Foreign Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence and the Attorney General.

He and another man, referred to as "CF", allege the British authorities consented to - or acquiesced in - their detention by the Somaliland authorities on January 14 2011.

The men say British "officers and agents... by their acts and omissions, procured, induced, encouraged or directly caused, or were otherwise complicit in" their detention, assault and mistreatment and torture while they were in Somaliland.

Mohamed launched his damages claim under a cloak of anonymity and was referred to in court papers as "MA". But anonymity was lifted today following his disappearance.